Pow R Kraft 4 Ton Elect Spliter doesn't fully retract

[Jerry_NJ]

My electric log splitter has been used for about 4 or 5 cords of splitting and now I see the moving push plate doesn't fully retract. I estimate it is about 4 inches short of full retraction. It isn't stuck, I can push it back all the way by hand, but the hydraulic pressure release or spring (don't recall seeing one) doesn't accomplish full retraction.

I will check the hydraulic fluid again, but doubt that could be the cause.. or a dirty hydraulic vent hold, maybe?

 

[DanCorcoran]

Only guesses I have are low fluid or breather valve not fully open. I, too, doubt that these are the problem...

 

[Jags]

On those splitters the retraction is not powered - as you state, you can push the ram to its full open position. One of two things is going on - either you have an issue with resistance - dirty, something dented, etc. Or the spring return isn't working properly (stretched or weak). I doubt that it has anything to do with the hydro side of the machine. For that to cause an issue it would either be hydro locked or air locked and I doubt that hand pressure would push the ram back into place.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Thanks, I did another physical inspection and noted one of the rods that pull the ram head had a loose nut (not me). I tightened it and eyeballed it and it looks square enough. The other side of the rod is in the "Handle" and has locking nut, so I doubt it changed position (length) I then cleaned the I-beam travel surface, it was dirty and all I did was spray some silicone spray and wipe. The return worked better, but that didn't last more than two or three more splits. The power seems about the same, but boy do I wish I had purchased the 7 ton unit. This 4 ton unit is just short of enough power on a lot of rounds. I have a manual splitter that claims to be capable of developing 10 tons, and I haven't run into anything I can't split with it - but I have to work hard for some to develop enough pressure, assumed to be about the advertised maximum of 10 tons. The little light duty electric is still a help, and I'll try ot keep it running. I getting to be too old to buy anything new, I can't last more that a couple more years doing this type of work.